Obituary of Ursula M. Dessingue

Ursula M. Dessingue, beloved daughter of Emily and Frank Ryan on November 5, 1934, was called to the arms of Our Lord on December 16, 2025 in Goose Creek, SC surrounded by her loving and devoted family.  She had lived most of her life in Troy, NY and the surrounding area.

Ursula was predeceased by the love of her life, William ‘Don’ Dessingue.  She is survived by her children, William (Kathleen) Dessingue, John (Penelope) Dessingue, Mary Patricia (Tricia) Fernet and Jennifer (Thomas) Gwinn and grandchildren Nicole (Daniel) LeBlanc, Michael (Erica) Dessingue, Daniel (Bre) Dessingue, Jeanette (Dylan) Thorwell, William (Melissa) Fernet, Kara (Santiago) Fernet, Corey (Kelsie) Fernet and Thomas (Hannah) Gwinn, and 5 great-grandchildren.  Ursula was a proud graduate of Catholic Central High School, Troy NY, and attended the New York State Teacher’s College in Albany NY.

Ursula kept a loving and welcoming home and her greatest joy was having family gatherings around her table on holidays.  She came from a long lineage of bakers and was well known for her pies and pastries.  She handed down many recipes to family and friends and that legacy will continue.  As an animal lover, part of her family always included her beloved dogs, most recently her terrier Sally.

Ursula spent her childhood as an avid horsewoman and loved to ride with her cousins in her youth.  Known for her beautiful singing voice, she was a member of many church choirs and secular choruses.   She was also a long-time volunteer for the Albany and Troy Lions Club in the Troy area and was a dedicated advocate and fundraiser.   She was a communicant of Saint Augustine Church in Lansingburgh

Above all, Ursula believed in the teachings of our Lord, Jesus, and everyone, of all walks of life, were embraced and accepted into her loving arms.

A Mass to celebrate her life will be held at St. Augustine Church in Lansingburgh at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026.  Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her life and the love she shared every day with all who were she touched by her grace. 

Spring Burial will take place in St. John’s Cemetery, Schaghticoke, at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Albany and Troy Lions Club, PO Box 192, Troy NY 12181

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY 12182

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